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University of Nebraska - Kearney Athletics

Austin Luger
Corbey R. Dorsey

A One-Game Homestand

1/7/2022 9:42:00 AM

 Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney men's basketball team returns to Kearney for just one home game this weekend, a Saturday afternoon tilt with Central Missouri.

The Lopers (5-8, 1-6) saw its Thursday night game against Lincoln University postponed due to COVID issues within the Blue Tigers program. That game will be made up later this year; the UNK women saw a road game at Northeastern State PPD last week because of the same issues.

UNK and UCM will tip at 4 p.m. with the Mules (6-6, 3-5) coming off a 64-59 loss at Fort Hays State on Thursday night. The Lopers have taken the last three games with UCM, winning 74-51 on Buckle Court late last winter and 72-69 in Warrensburg. Check out the mbb schedule page for media links. 

Through 13 games UNK has outscored its competition by a 753-736 margin (73.3-72.0). Showing how close things have been, both the Lopers and its opponents are shooting 74% at the line, UNK has committed 142 turnovers its opponents' 141 with Kearney having 443 rebounds to 425 for the opposition. Overall, UNK is 2-6 in games decided by 16 points or less. 

Heading into the second half of the season, the Lopers are third in the MIAA in 3-point percentage (36.7) and assist-to-turnover ratio (1.33) and assists per game (14.5). Individually, Utah senior forward Darrian Nebeker is second in the MIAA in assists (4.4) and fourth in both shooting (57.4%) and assist-to-turnover ratio (2.0). Finally, point guard David Simental is second in minutes (35.5) and ninth in scoring (16.2).

The Mules lost to both Washburn and Emporia State at home last week. UCM is 2-2 in true road games and coming off a 7-15 season. They are led by 6-9 redshirt junior forward Gaven Pinkley (13.3 ppg) and redshirt senior Ja'Cor Nelson (11.5 ppg). Pinkley has made a team-best 18 3's with Nelson, who began his career at D1 Campbell (N.C.), at a team-best 6.9 rebounds per game.  

UNK heads to Missouri Western State and defending national champion Northwest Missouri State next weekend.
 
 
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